Wollongong MP Noreen Hay says Labor will make a new Wollongong convention centre a reality if the party is returned to power at the state election in March.
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Ms Hay gave the assurance on Tuesday after Labor leader John Robertson announced the party would build a world-class convention and exhibition centre and an ‘‘iconic’’ skybridge in Newcastle if it was voted in come March.
Ms Hay said she had long considered a convention centre one of Wollongong’s top three priorities, and expected the party would deliver it.
‘‘There’s no question in my mind that the election of a Labor government would ultimately result in that convention centre – that extension of the Wollongong Entertainment Centre – taking place ... I have to say I have no doubt whatsoever that would be the position taken by Labor should they be elected.’’
Late in 2013, a request by Venues NSW for $28.05 million to transform the WEC into a convention centre failed to make the short-list for funding from the Illawarra Infrastructure Fund, the $100 million set aside for the Illawarra from the privatisation of Port Kembla.
The project also missed out in the 2013 round of Resources for Regions funding.
The Newcastle project is expected to generate 1700 jobs and $100 million a year for that region’s economy.
‘‘Labor is committed to the revitalisation of Newcastle,’’ Mr Robertson said.
‘‘The convention centre will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to further diversify the local economy.’’
A design chosen through an international competition would be used for the skybridge, which would connect the proposed conference centre – slated for the corner of Honeysuckle Drive and the former Lee Wharf Road – with the city’s west end.
Mr Robertson said the footbridge, which he likened to Helix Bridge in Singapore and BP Bridge in Chicago, would be a tourist attraction itself.
The Opposition Leader was unclear on where the bridge would start in the West End, but he said the project was part of Labor’s plan to revitalise the ‘‘whole of the city’’ and keep high-rise in the west.
The project is aimed at drawing a share of the $7 billion NSW convention industry to the Hunter and could potentially incorporate an international cruise ship docking facility.
If built, the exhibition centre, which will occupy around 4500 square metres, could host 3500 people.
